Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers (#QP2023) Featured Review of Cold by Mariko Tamaki

Cold

by Mariko Tamaki

Publisher: Macmillan 

Imprint: Roaring Brook Press

Release date: February 8, 2022

ISBN: 9781626722736

Todd is dead and now watches over his own naked corpse while trying to determine how he died. Georgia didn’t know Todd when he was alive, but is mildly obsessed with his death. Why does he seem so familiar to her? What do they have in common? 

Told in alternating, short chapters, Georgia and Todd are both trying to solve the mystery of his death from two different perspectives. Both characters come to realize that they had many things in common. Both were a bit lonely and introverted, but their similarities are deeper than that.

Introverted teens will likely see themselves on the page as will those who like to solve mysterious puzzles.  The Afterlife by Gary Soto, The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol are strong readalikes.

— Jessica Lorentz Smith

Other Nominated Titles

Arden Grey by Ray Stoeve (April 26, 2022)

A Night to Die For by Lisa Schroeder (March 1, 2022)

It Will End Like This by Kyra Leigh (January 4, 2022)


The Selected Lists teams read throughout the year in search of the best titles published in their respective categories. Once a book is suggested (either internally or through the title suggestion form), it must pass through a review process to be designated an official nomination.

Each week, the teams feature a review of one of the officially nominated titles. Additional titles to receive this designation are listed as well. At year’s end, the team will curate a final list from all nominated titles and select a Top Ten.

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Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers Blogging Team @ YALSA's The Hub.